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Denmark agrees PSO deal

18 November 2016
by David Weston

DENMARK: The government has finally agreed a deal in the long-running dispute over the public service obligation (PSO) support system, paving the way for the 350MW nearshore and 600MW Kriegers Flak offshore wind projects.

The PSO will be phased out gradually between 2017-2022, providing long-term stability for the projects' developer Vattenfall.

"The agreement creates certainty about the financing of Denmark's green transition [and] strengthens the competitiveness of Danish industry, giving the Danes a cheaper electricity bill and paves the way for using more green power in Danish society," the Danish energy ministry said.

After the deal was announced, the Swedish utility said it would go ahead with the 350MW of coastal projects it won the development rights for in September.

"It is no secret that the government wants to abandon the construction of the coastal wind turbines," said energy minister Lars Lilleholt in September as the talks continued.

The PSO is a levy added to consumers electricity bills, to support renewable energies.

Beyond 2022, finance for renewable energy projects will be included in the Danish government's budget, and not form part of household costs.

"I am very pleased that the government and a broad parliamentary majority has an agreement on the very difficult PSO case. The solution is a good compromise with broad political support. It unites the parties in wanting to continue the green transition and abolish the PSO charge in a way that is affordable for both households and businesses," Lillholt said today, following the PSO agreement.

Vattenfall placed another record low bid of DKK 372/MWh (€49.9/MWh), excluding transmission, to build the project. Kriegers Flak will also form part of a 400MW interconnection with Germany.

"This sends a strong signal and ends a long period of uncertainty in Danish energy politics. The agreement will secure thousands of jobs, allow the continued green transition, and at the same time, I'm very pleased that Denmark once again sets an example by building the world's cheapest offshore wind farms," said Danish Wind Industry Association CEO Jan Hylleberg.